Amir Omar: City Councilman, Richardson Texas

Of Palestinian and Iranian decent, Republican Amir Omar became the first Muslim to be elected to the Richardson, Texas City Council last May. Omar earned a victory over incumbent Dennis Stewart to occupy the 7th seat of the Richardson City Council. This Texas A&M University graduate is an active member of his community and is involved in over ten local groups and associations. He is a proud member of the Richardson Regional Medical Center Foundation board and was honored in January with a Richardson Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Award. His achievements have brought a great sense of pride to both the Arab American and Muslim communities.

Omar describes his success as "living proof that the American dream is alive and well…. My father grew up poor in a small village in Palestine. He always taught me that the most noble thing I could do in life is to give back to my community and this country that gave us so much." Knocking on doors and interacting with the community face to face has been a key factor in Omar’s success and is a testament to his deep belief in hands-on community service, leadership and the lesson instilled in him by his father.

Omar, who lost his mother to cancer the summer before his senior year in high school, is running the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 25th in Washington, D.C. to raise funds for the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center where he is a Foundation Board member. Cheer him on as he runs in support of this noble cause.